Residents can tell who has 'done real work' & who 'shows up 1 month before election': Poh Li San

The People’s Action Party (PAP) has confirmed that Poh Li San will contest Sembawang West SMC, facing Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leader Chee Soon Juan.

Facing Chee Soon Juan

At a press conference on Apr. 22, the PAP confirmed its line-up for both Sembawang GRC and Sembawang West SMC.

Poh will contest the newly formed SMC, which was the division she served in the last five years.

At the press conference, Poh stated that the contest "will likely be a tough one-on-one fight" against Chee.

"The contest ahead may look daunting, but I'm not one to shy away from difficult challenges, because I'm committed to stay where my residents are and will continue to work hard for them."

Poh also noted the current atmosphere of global uncertainty and rising unemployment, citing the need to have bold ideas and to take risks, instead of playing it safe.

"But this must be done by a team that has done it before, and with the interest of Singaporeans at heart, not by reckless populists," she added.

She stated:

"I'm confident that the residents of Sembawang West will be fair-minded. They will discern clearly between who has done real work and who is committed to stay here and continue to work for them, versus someone who just shows up one month before the election."

Welcome the contest

Speaking to the "Mothership Podcast with XQ" earlier in the month, Poh said that she was “surprised” that Chee had left Bukit Batok, where he had previously contested.

Bukit Batok SMC was abolished in the 2025 Electoral Boundaries Review, and the area is now part of the Bukit Timah GRC.

Still, she welcomed the chance to compete against the seasoned opposition politician, saying:

“And for me, typically, I do better and perform better under pressure.”

The National Solidarity Party recently announced its decision to withdraw from the fight in the SMC.

Top photo from Azrizal Abuche